Author: Michelle

New Vintage Lady – fabulous plus size sewing patterns

I have many friends in the US  and I am so glad to be able to keep in touch across the miles via the interwebs. One of those buddies from LA (and from 6 years of hanging out on the Fedora Lounge) is fellow vintage fashion lover and sewer Shelley Johnson who is the owner of New Vintage Lady.

New Vintage Lady stocks one of the largest rotations of original plus size vintage patterns and reproductions. Shelley has developed her very own line of gorgeous plus size NVL patterns, designed in 1920s, 30s and 40s styles, including some amazing hats. She also has pdfs of original sewing books and magazines for sale in the Etsy store. And yes, the illustrations are also her own. Such a talented lass! So, take a look at these fabulous designs and be inspired to make some gorgeous outfits of your own.

You can also find the informative and fun NVL blog here.

NVL 1930s Double breasted dress with shawl collar 40 bust NRA edition Plus Size    NVL 1930s My First 30s Dress 42 bust PLUS SIZE     NVL 1930s side button sport frock 46 bust PLUS SIZE

NVL 1930s The Diva Dress 40 bust PLUS SIZE    NVL 1930s jabots, collars, cuffs and gilet 40 bust and over PLUS SIZE    NVL 1930s sport over blouse with gathered back and kerchief 42 bust PLUS SIZE

NVL 1940s Make due and Mend afternoon dress 48 bust PLUS SIZE    NVL 1920s dustbowl dress 42 bust PLUS SIZE    NVL 1940s sport dress with deep back and bolero pattern 42 bust PLUS SIZE

NVL 1930s The Deco Suit 46 bust PLUS SIZE    NVL 1930s The Overachiever Blouse 42 bust PLUS SIZE    NVL 1930s Balboa Dress 40 bust NRA edition Plus Size

NVL 1940s Day Dress 42 bust PLUS SIZE    NVL 1930s knot bodice day dress 42 bust PLUS SIZE    NVL 1920s flapper kimono sleeved dress 44 bust PLUS SIZE

NVL 1920s front pleated flapper skirt 36 waist 48 hips PLUS SIZE    NVL 1920s Cross Front Flapper frock 42 bust PLUS SIZE    NVL 1940s V neckline cap sleeved day frock 46 bust PLUS SIZE

Vintage colour swatch: Tenacious teal

So, I thought I would do something fun and write a regular post every 2 weeks that focuses on a particular colour. I will also include pics showing all sorts of vintage fashion items that were produced in varying shades of that colour, hopefully to inspire some new outfit combinations in the future and some possible purchases.

Teal: A lovely medium blue-green that reminds me of the sea off the islands of Perth and Thailand, cooler weather and rainy nights. As with my previous yellow post, I was inspired this week by a 1940s crepe, beaded gown that I have in my collection in a magnificent teal colour. Here are some beauties in various shades of teal. I think my favourite is the 1920s French opera coat…stunning.

* Please note that all photos are linked back to their original source.

Teal dress - 50s hand knit sleeveless style -size 4/6 turquoise aqua teal - Mad Men era unknown designer craft    Vintage 1940's Teal Embroidered Two Piece Suit    1940's Black and Teal Lilli Ann Coat Sz S

Art Deco Mandalian Enamel Mesh Purse SALE PRICE    Teal Feather Flapper Styled Hat   Set of Six Vintage 1930's Teal Plastic Buttons-7/8"-VBP35

Vintage CORO PEGASUS Blue Crystal Expansion Bracelet - 1940 - WWII Era     

 

Beautiful 1930's Teal Silk Velvet Decadent Evening Gown    

  

       

  

 

2 strip Technicolor film…1928/29

I have been meaning to post this little 2 strip Technicolour film for a while now. It is quite amazing and seeing late 20s clothing and hats in all their coloured glory is mesmerising. I think my favourite hat is the black and white cloche and I love the green crepe ensemble.

You will notice that some of skirts are just slightly above knee. Contrary to what a lot of people think, these shorter lengths were generally only in vogue for a short period of time during the 1920s, from around late 1926 to 1928 and this quite often assists with dating a photo or piece of film. Hemlines soon plunged below the knee again in the early 1930s. Many thanks to Atqui on YouTube for uploading this.

Photographer in focus: Fabulous Elmer Fryer

Elmer Fryer was another wonderful photographer of Hollywood stars and celebrities. When I think of vintage Hollywood – Fryer and Hurrell always come to mind instantly. Fryer joined Warner in 1929 and during the 1930s he took portraits of Bette Davis, Kay Francis, Barbara Stanwyck, Myrna Loy, Louise Brooks, Loretta Young, Ann Dvorak, James Cagney, Errol Flynn, Henry Fonda and many other Warner Brothers stars. Sadly, Fryer died young at age 46, only 3 years after he left Warner Brothers in 1941. But, he left us a wonderful legacy to share in his photography.

I love the way Fryer designed his shots by using poses to suit the subject and to enhance their beauty. He seemed to have an uncanny sense of style and there is such an elegance to his work, especially with his use of black and white props, clothing and deep shadows. I adore the shot of Errol Flynn as I think it captures his personality perfectly – the handsome, cheeky, Aussie larrikin.

* All pics are linked back to their original sources

      

      

      

      

      

      

 

      

     

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